Ways To Find Contentment During A Pandemic
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We’re all looking for ways to find contentment during a pandemic. We’ve been dealing with something that was basically unheard of close to a year ago. I can recall meeting my daughters for lunch in the winter of 2020.
We were sitting at a Mexican restaurant when I told them the latest news about the Coronavirus, before it was really dubbed COVID-19.
I was trying to impress upon them how I thought this was going to change our lives. But I don’t think it made much of an impact on them at the time.
I don’t think they were all that frightened by what I was saying. We were in the beginning stages of this unfolding pandemic.
They would soon learn the ramifications of how rapidly a virus could spread. And quickly they would learn that they would have to stay home or wear a mask.
Finding Contentment During A Pandemic:
It’s always been easy for me to find contentment. I’ve always liked being alone. I’d read a book, create something, or take photographs. I’ve always found things to keep myself busy.
But everything changed for others. There was learning to remember to wear a mask. Washing and sanitizing your hands, and social distancing. Not being able to go to functions and parties.
5 Ways To Find Contentment During A Pandemic:
- Get crafty and create something. It could be decor for your home. Or something you can give someone else as a gift.
- Plan and begin a garden. If you live in an apartment, you can garden in containers on a small patio or balcony.
- Join a book club and get into the habit of reading more. It will distract you while also helping you develop a better vocabulary.
- Declutter and organize your home. It is the perfect time to get that accomplished!
- Get fit. Do yoga. Read up on how to cook healthier recipes. If you’ve never really cooked, then try it out!
What Changes Did I Make In My Own Life?
- I began listening to music again. That’s something I hadn’t done in ages. I love instrumentals. Particularly the piano. So now I have soft relaxing music in my line up of ways to relax.
- I ordered a new sound machine. I like to listen to thunder and rain. And I also like the setting of water babbling over rocks. I never turn if off. It’s always a relaxing background element to deal with stressors.
- I joined a book club. I was already reading a lot of books. But I’m really enjoying the Book Of The Month Club. It brings new books to my attention that I might not have heard of yet.
- I brought home more house plants. Walking through my favorite garden nursery is one of the few things that still seemed normal. It is a really open space and I feel safer with all that fresh air. Did you know that house plants are good for your mental health?
- I take a drive down country roads and enjoy the scenery. And my camera is always with me to take photographs of cows and horses and fields of wildflowers.
If you’re still running through life on a treadmill, try to find more ways to take care of yourself. Both physically and mentally.
Many people must be out there working to make sure others receive deliveries, mail, etc. They don’t have the option of staying home because there won’t be a paycheck.
People who work in grocery stores is one example. Police officers. Sanitation departments The world outside doesn’t suddenly stop; someone has to keep the gears going.
Work on your relationships, whether that be at home or long distance. Put a puzzle together. Learn to cook new recipes. Surprise your family with a great new meal.
Various studies have shown that when people feel connected to others during the pandemic, they tended to experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Spend More Time Outdoors:
Research shows that people who spend more time outdoors, especially in the sun, have higher emotional well-being. And early research is showing that spending time outdoors is especially beneficial during a pandemic.
So go outside and tilt your face up to the warmth of the sun.
Self care is important as you mention but something that a lot of women put low on their priority. Thing is, if we’re not 100% we have less to offer others.
I’ve been busy purging my home. I had no idea I had accumulated so many items of clothing and I’ve identified myself as a pocket book addicted woman. I’m trying to decide if I want an intervention or not. I need one but might not truly welcome it. I’ve adopted three cats and feed and care for a feral colony. I do seem to be getting more ill during this time. I developed a bleeding ulcer and almost died from that. Landed in the hospital with blood transfusions and had to stay three days. In addition developed a fib and now my back is going out and doctor is recommending surgery. I don’t blame this on the pandemic but it sure gets me down at times. I live alone and don’t get to see my son or grandchildren very often as they live several states away. Taking care of the cats and the ferals keep me going. I have set a goal to fill a bag a day of things I don’t need to try to keep my decluttering going and maybe in this way it won’t be overwhelming or tax my back too much. On the bright side I will get my second Covid shot this coming Sunday. I know I will be a great feeling. On the day I got my first shot I was almost euphoric. I believe in science and will follow it and Dr. Faucci and maybe we can beat this thing.
I’ve spent most of my time embracing my love of handwork, especially counted x-stitch. Sitting for extended periods with my needle and thread makes me very happy. Ironically, it’s something I hadn’t done in over 20 years but just before the pandemic it came back to me with a vengeance. I’m extremely thankful! I take Cooper, my dog, for walks several times a day. I have a nice pile of books that I know I’d enjoy reading but for some reason I can’t seem to concentrate for long periods of time. Last fall I tried to do a little sewing but it wasn’t meant to be because the needle bar on my machine broke. I waited until after the holidays to have it repaired. I don’t mind spending time alone but there have been times that the quiet is overwhelming. My family is only 5 minutes away but we only see each from a safe distance on occasion. I’m sorry this is so long!
Wise advice my friend. For many life has certainly changed over the past year. For me, I am the happiest at home, I am a homebody so the pandemic did not change much for me except restricting my travel. I love all of your tips and advice. Have a wonderful weekend. Enjoy your sweet pets.
Good points! I was in England visiting my son, dil and grandchildren over a year ago. Except for video calls, which are a lifesaver haven’t seen them since, nor the grandchild in the US.
Although I have things to do at home, the stress of no interaction face to face with friends and lack of a vaccine has gotten worse. I was literally gett8ng ready to call my doctor for antidepressants when her office called with Covid vaccine appts for my husband and myself..
I can honestly say it was better than winning the lottery!
I’ve started reading actual books again which is something I had let fall by the wayside…and I’ve been crafting, that’s always my go to.
Brenda,
this sounds counterintuitive, but this last year I’ve been taking care of several of my older neighbors.
We all live out in the country and their kids are many miles away; (my daughter, son-in-law and our grandkids are 1162 miles from us). My husband and I have run them to their Dr. and Vet appointments and to help grocery shop. Approximately once a month we run up to Olympia, Wa. to Costco for toilet paper and other items.
Organizing: 1. Holiday stuff 2. Garage 3. Closets Since Wa. state has partially opened, we have started purging .
Outdoors: revamping the landscaping so it is not so labor intensive.
Adopted a special needs pup; Lucy was born with a slight spinal deformity. She can’t jump up on the furniture!!! But, this French Brittany can walk and that’s what we do!
Church; it has been horrible to not be able attend Mass! But, I have been watching it on T.V. Thank goodness for E-mail and telephone to stay in touch with friends and members of our parish…
Clubs: our Garden Club and Book Club used to meet downstairs in the local Library, monthly or more depending on the weather. We’ve lost several important elderly members this past year to health issues (NOT COVID). One of my dearest friends, Audrey was looking forward to her 100th birthday. Two weeks before her June B’Day she passed in her sleep. She had such a green thumb and a beautiful yard that she was still able to tend to. We hope to have a special memorial to her and others who have enriched our lives with their presence and knowledge.
Things have certainly changed for me. I had been in a decluttering project for more years than I will tell. I finally finished this during the summer of 2020. The key was stacking papers in three groups:
Urgent, Later and Historical.
I do not clean house every day or even every week like did for years. It is a more relaxed lifestyle. Now I bake, read, work puzzles, and listen to music. Take care.
I enjoy food preparation now more than I use to, as I have found eating right helps so much in our bodies. I find it An important task in my day to prepare good meals knowing this is medicine to my body to remain healthy. I wonder if I will ever go back to frequently eating out as I rather like the slow pace of our meals now at home. We are lucky around us in NY to have good grocery stores with fresh vegetables and so much else that last a long time so I am not lacking for anything.
Rachael Ray has been fun for me to watch knowing she has had her challenges not having her usual home which burned last summer, not being in her studio and still coming up with ideas to cook for dinner when she doesn’t have quick access to take out. And she lost her dog too so she is a strong woman thru this last year.
I started walking at least 2 miles almost every day. Besides the obvious physical benefit,(I lost 40 pounds!), it has been a sanity saver. A few times over the past year I’ve taken trash bags with me and a plastic grabbing gadget my husband found at Atwoods, and cleaned up the trash alongside a road near my neighborhood. I kept asking myself why didn’t “they” clean it all up and one day I decided I could be “they”. So oddly satisfying. Sewing, reading, listening to music, cleaning closets and drawers…. rearranging the pantry…. I’m so glad the weather is starting to take a turn for the better. Can’t wait to plant some flowers!
I’m very impressed that you claimed the project cleaning up a road and decided you were “ they”. Kudos to you on a job more than well done. You’re truly inspirational.
Hi Brenda
Thank you for the tips. I love looking at pics of your home. So pretty and peaceful. You have such a knack for putting things together and decorating. We recently moved from a large home in another state and have so much stuff. I’m overwhelmed actually. We put most items in a storage unit. Love my things but downsized and have a hard time letting things go. That’s the hardest for me. So many people have given me beautiful items as we pastored a church for 25 years. So many good memories with these gifts. I don’t even know where to begin and have health issues.
I am also overwhelmed at the prospect of downsizing/decluttering. I am widowed, work a full time job and don’t have much extra energy between work, taking care of the house on my own and the dog and cat. Maybe this can be a future topic Brenda can highlight in an upcoming post.